In 2010, the Major George A. Smith Memorial Fund established the HOOAH Award. As part of NCoC’s ongoing efforts to support and promote the importance of service in all its forms, this award is given annually at the National Conference. The HOOAH Award recognizes a veteran who defines citizenship through service to our country, both in uniform and beyond.

Major (Ret.) George A. Smith served his country for over 20 years as a career military officer. Eager to serve, Major Smith enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and quickly rose through the ranks. Major Smith fulfilled his dream as part of the 82nd Airborne and later commanded the Ranger’s Alpha Company. He completed many tours overseas, including peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Yemen, and Egypt. As part of the 7th infantry our of Fort Ord, he served in Just Cause, a military operation in Panama. Following his career or service in the military, Major Smith continued to serve his community through leadership positions from the European Congress of American Parents, Teachers, and Students to disaster response work with FEMA. Upon his passing in January 2009, he was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. The Major George A. Smith Memorial Fund was founded by his children Jennifer, David, Adam, and Chloe.

The 2011 HOOAH Award recipient was Eric Hilleman. Eric is a Sergeant in the United States Marines and works for the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

The 2010 HOOAH Award recipient was Derek Blumke. Derek is a Technical Sergeant in the Air National Guard, an Afghanistan war veteran, and co-founder and past president of Student Veterans of America.

The 2009 HOOAH Award recipient was Eric Greitens, Navy SEAL officer and CEO and Founder of The Mission Continues, an organization that helps wounded and disabled veterans continue service in their civilian life.